Russia's "full-scale aggression" in Ukraine has prompted Sweden to decide to apply for NATO membership, Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson told the White House on Thursday.

She met today with US President Joe Biden after submitting her application for NATO membership, which they did together with Finland, reports

.

"My government has come to the conclusion that the security of the Swedish people will be best protected within the NATO alliance, and this was supported by a majority vote in the Swedish parliament," she said.

Thank you @POTUS Biden for your support.

Our ties are stronger than ever.

Together, we protect democracy and build security.

Sweden is best protected in NATO and the Alliance will be stronger with Sweden and Finland.

pic.twitter.com/7GBPXMFAMZ

- SwedishPM (@SwedishPM) May 19, 2022

The first of the Swedish government stressed that NATO will be stronger with Sweden and Finland.

"We are a security provider with sophisticated defense capabilities.

And we are champions of freedom, democracy and human rights.

We have a long tradition of military cooperation with NATO, including all missions.

"We are increasing our defense spending, which will now reach up to 2 percent of the GJDP," she added.

Andersson called US support for Sweden's NATO membership "important", but said he expected a dialogue with Turkey, which has recently conditioned Nordic membership.

Sweden is looking forward to "a speedy ratification process", she added, saying it was "prepared to take responsibility as an ally of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization".

Otherwise, Biden has stated that on Tuesday, the Senate will vote on the membership of Finland and Sweden in NATO.

Tune in as I deliver remarks with Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson of Sweden and President Sauli Niinistö of Finland.

https://t.co/EaRI5mkhDA

- President Biden (@POTUS) May 19, 2022